In this article, we explain what the best statistics are for Survival Hunters (WoW 4.3), how the class benefits from each of them, and what your reforging strategy should be. We also detail what the various caps are and why they should be attained. The statistics priority is important as it influences reforging strategies as well as itemisation choices (gear, enchants, and gems).

Make sure to check our Gear Optimisation Guide, which serves as a support guide for this article. The other articles of our Survival Hunter guide can be accessed from the table of contents on the right.

1. Basics↑top

The stat priority for a Survival Hunter is:

1. Agility
2. Hit Rating until hit cap
3. Haste Rating until soft cap
4. Critical Strike Rating
5. Mastery Rating
6. Haste Rating

If you are unsure what the optimal reforging strategy is for this priority, please refer to the reforging section of our Gear Optimisation Guide.

2. Getting a Better Understanding↑top

2.1. Statistics Explanations

Agility is your most important stat, which provides the most benefit; you should look for this stat in all of your upgrades, as point for point it surpasses any other stat. It provides you with Ranged Attack Power and it increases your critical strike chance.

Hit Rating is your second most important stat, as it determines your chance to miss a target with Auto Shot or any other of your abilities. Your aim is to reach 8% chance to hit with ranged attacks (Draenei need 841 Hit Rating, other races 961 Hit Rating), thus ensuring that all of your attacks will land. Once the hit cap is reached, Hit Rating loses all value and is useless.

Haste Rating, up to a point, is crucial for maintaining your rotation as a Survival Hunter. Your aim is to be able to fit in three Cobra Shots in the space between two Explosive Shots.

Critical Strike Rating is your next best stat, once the above mentioned caps have been met.

Mastery Rating is the next preferred stat for Survival Hunters. It increases the damage done by all your abilities, with the exception of your auto attacks and Kill Shot.

Haste Rating, past the soft cap, provides increased attack speed, increased focus regeneration and reduced Cobra Shot cast time, but it is not a desirable stat, and should be avoided.

2.2. Soft Haste Cap

The Haste Rating soft cap represents the moment when you are able to cast three Cobra Shots in between two Explosive Shots (so within a 6 second window). This is 757 Haste Rating, considering all relevant raid buffs and your Pathing talent.

Under the effects of the 4-part Tier 11 set bonus, much less Haste Rating is required, and it is safe to reforge out of all of it on your gear.